Brown bear predation on semi-domesticated reindeer and depredation compensations

Brown bear predation on semi-domesticated reindeer significantly impacts the economy of Sámi herding communities, with bears killing 10.2 calves per individual during calving season, accounting for 39–62% of calf mortality. The study, conducted in northern Sweden (2010–2012), tracked 21 GPS-collared bears and ~2500 reindeer to quantify predation patterns and economic losses. Bear kill rates increased with time spent in calving areas but varied by individual and reproductive status. Annual losses were estimated at €50,000–€62,000 per herding group, yet current compensation schemes only reimbursed ~2% of this loss, highlighting the inefficiency of area-based compensation models.

Støen, O.-G., Sivertsen, T. R., Tallian, A., Rauset, G. R., Kindberg, J., Persson, L.-T., Stokke, R., Skarin, A., Segerström, P., & Frank, J. (2022). Brown bear predation on semi-domesticated reindeer and depredation compensations. Global Ecology and Conservation, 37, e02168. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02168